Georgia’s parliamentary delegation, led by the Chairman of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, is participating in the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which is taking place in Tashkent, the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Shalva Papuashvili addressed the participants of the Assembly on this year's theme of the General Debate: "Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice".

According to Shalva Papuashvili, “parliaments play a significant role in shaping societies that are just, inclusive, and progressive.”

He stated that against the background of many challenges confronting the world, the Government of Georgia managed to maintain peace and stability in the country that provided opportunities to concentrate on economic and social development.

Chairman of Parliament stated that “we see economic growth as an instrument of poverty reduction and social well-being but also of national security and regional peace.”

Shalva Papuashvili talked about steps taken in the direction of social development that aimed to ensure the prosperity of Georgian citizens. He stated that “the family is a building block of a society and this is why we put family support at the center of our social development agenda”.

In this regard, the Chairman of Parliament outlined the creation of accessible healthcare, also, social security programs to protect families, programs for supporting large families.

He also emphasized the creation of legislation that aims to ensure equality and non-discrimination, including the Law on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination, the Concept of Equality of Men and Women, Women’s Economic Empowerment Concept. Moreover, he talked about adopted laws that protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

Shalva Papuasvhili talked about main directions that a new social contract for humanity shall encompass. According to him, a new social contract shall be responsive to complex challenges of the modern world and shall include the following important dimensions: promoting domestic and global peace and security; democratic governance, accountability and transparency; economic growth that will not only focus on GDP but also on reducing inequality and improving the well-being of all people; ensuring environmental sustainability, moving to a green economy that will protect countries and our planet; studying and addressing ethical implications of emerging technologies.

In closing, Shalva Papuashvili stated that Georgia remains committed to partnerships with the international community and expressed readiness for participating in fruitful discussions to contribute to the creation of a just, sustainable and prosperous global community.